The Petty Harbour Hydro Electric Generating Station which began construction in 1898 was the first hydroelectric generating station in Newfoundland and Labrador. It was built by the St. John's Street Railway Company, a company established by Robert Reid. Operation commenced on 19 April 1900. In 1920 Reid renamed the company the St. John's Light and Power Company. On 7 February 1921 an avalanche destroyed 23 m (75 ft) of the wooden penstock that carried water from the dam to the generating station, cutting off all electrical power to St. John's for almost five days.